Texans' Foster disputes report about heart surgery

Texans' Foster disputes report about heart surgery

HOUSTON (AP) Texans running back Arian Foster said he has not spoken with his doctors about ``any surgery,'' disputing a report that he was likely to undergo a heart procedure in about a month.

``I am feeling well and am as exuberant as ever,'' he said in a statement Friday.

The NFL Network reported Thursday that Foster was considering an ablation procedure because of a heart condition that forced him from a game late this season. Such a procedure involves use of a catheter to correct structural problems that can lead to an abnormal heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic's website.

``As of now, I have no complications with my blood pumper,'' Foster said. ``There was a casual conversation with a reporter about my particular condition that turned public. But I have not, nor do I plan to any time in the near future, have conversations with my doctors about any surgery.''

During the third quarter of Houston's 23-6 loss to Minnesota on Dec. 23, Foster left the game because of an irregular heartbeat. Coach Gary Kubiak said Foster also experienced the problem in a practice.

The NFL Network reported that Foster said he's known about his heart issue since he was 12 years old.

Texans general manager Rick Smith said in a statement Friday that the team is ``comfortable'' with the health of their 26-year-old running back.

``Our medical team continues to monitor it,'' Smith said. ``He missed one-half of a practice and one-half of a game, and our doctors treated him.''

Foster rushed for 1,424 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2012. He was invited to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his three full NFL seasons.

An undrafted free agent in 2009, Foster worked his way up from the Texans' practice squad to become the NFL's leading rusher in 2010 (1,616 yards). Last March, Foster signed a five-year, $43.5 million contract.

We are down to the home stretch. Only 10 games remain in the Capitals' regular season. Those 10 games will ultimately decide if the Caps finish in first place in the Metropolitan Division and who they will play in the first round of the playoffs.

Washington currently sits in first place in the division, two points ahead of the Pittsburgh Penguins and four points ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers. Of those 10 remaining games, only three come against teams currently in playoff position. The most critical of these comes on April 1 when the Caps travel to Pittsburgh in a game that could ultimately decide the division.

Here is what you need to know on this Monday, March 19, 38 days before the NFL draft.

Free agency notes and nuggets

Looking at the 2018 depth chart—offense

The Redskins are likely to make a few more free agent acquisitions and there is the draft, but the depth chart is beginning to settle in. Let’s take a look at where the offensive side of the ball stands now. The defense is up tomorrow

Quarterback: Alex SmithBackups: Colt McCoy

The only question here is if the Redskins will draft a late-round project quarterback to develop as the backup. McCoy is in the last year of his contract and he may not be back in 2019.

This is an area to watch. Thompson could end up being the only carryover if they get a draft pick who can start and decide to keep 2017 late-season addition Kapri Bibbs or if they find another veteran. They also could go with only three running backs.

As of right now, this appears to be one of the few position groups you can write in with a Sharpie. If the Redskins are going to be better in 2018, a lot of the improvement will have to come from improvement of 2017 draft picks like Sprinkle. If he can develop into a solid blocker and a moderate receiving threat he will be an asset.

Kouandjio is a placeholder at left guard for the moment. He was solid pass blocking but struggled in run blocking in six starts in injury fill-in duty. I think that if they bring in another interior O-lineman in free agency or in the draft, Roullier will remain at center. I think Jay Gruden likes the way he is developing there and wants to continue.